economy. and correspondent steve brown kicks off our coverage tonight. >> and on thanksgiving thursday to be first in the doors at midnight on plaque friday. >> and the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. >> we have our route. >> and toys "r" us, target, home goods. >> kohl's, breakfast. >> black friday is definitely the kickoff to the playoffs for us, if you think of it as a sporting event and it's a big day, we always want to come out really showing our guests what we have here and have a great start to the playoffs, yeah. >> and with retail sales a huge factor in the not steady u.s. economy, the shopping is encouraging. >> we expect sales to rise 4% this year, a little lower than last year, but you know, we think we really believe that consumers are feeling a lot more confident this year. >>, but for all the folks battling the black friday crowds, do they get the best prices. >> sometimes i think you can get a better deal other times, black friday is kind after gimmicky things. up to a third of the door busters items today were cheaper earlier in the year and as far as